December is the month of celebrations worldwide, below is a
list of just a few. For this challenge, we want you to give your favorite celebration
a Science Fiction twist. This month's judge is Alex J. Cavanaugh, author of the
Cassa Series and Dragon of the Stars.
Winter
Holidays Around the World
Diwali - Recently celebrated, Diwali is also known as the festival of light is
celebrated at the start of winter in India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Fiji.
Hanukkah - Also known as Channukkah is a 'Festival of Lights'.
One of the most important Jewish holidays.
Boxing Day - Also known as St. Stephen's Day, is celebrated the
day after Christmas. On this day it is common to give gifts to the poor and
needy.
Las Posadas - This is a traditional winter holiday celebrated
in Mexico, Guatemala and Southern parts of United States of America.
St. Nicholas Day - This day is especially celebrated in
Northern Europe on December 6. St. Nicholas was a protector of the weak against
the rich and the strong.
St. Lucias Day - This is a winter holiday celebrated on
December 13 in Sweden in honor of St. Lucia, who lived in the third century and
is regarded as the patron of light.
Eid-al-Adha - This is a feast that is celebrated by Muslims,
to commemorate Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, at the
behest of God.
Kwanzaa - Literally meaning 'First Fruits', this has its basis
on an ancient harvest festival of Africa which celebrates ideals like
collective responsibility and work; self-determination; co-operation; purpose;
creativity; faith; and unity.
Hogmanay - This is a Scottish word which means the last day of
the year and is basically celebrating the New Year, according to the Gregorian
calendar, in the Scottish way.
Japanese New Year - New Year celebration is one of the most
major events in Japan. New Year's Eve is known as Omisoka in Japan. The
Japanese spend a lot of time shopping and cleaning their houses in preparation
for the new year. This symbolizes getting rid of the past and starting afresh.
For this month, we want you to take us out of this world, whether in a flash fiction piece, a non-fiction piece, a poetic interlude, maybe a photograph or an artwork with an otherworldly flavor and explanation for how it relates to the challenge. This time the sky's not the limit! Think on some of the holidays above and if you need more prompting, remember these are merely suggestions and in no way have to turn up in your entry.
Further prompts:
Further prompts:
What if space travel was necessary?
- The world is succumbing to the abuse of its population, and
flights to other planets occur regularly...or
- It's simply an opportunity to travel to other planets, say for
vacation, a job opportunity, or because it's always been a dream, but you
depart or arrive during the Holidays.
- How would you write a farewell scene that takes place on that
special Holiday? It could be lovers, families, or friends that are departing.
- What if your job is the Entertainment Director of a new
settlement? You have a diverse population, what would you do to celebrate the
'holidays' of the crowd or would you imagine an entire new celebration?
So, scriveners, use your experience, memories, or your
out-of-control imagination to write a Holiday Celebration that is out of this
World! Or a farewell that is of this world!
December 16 – 19
1000 words or less
Don't forget to share the Challenge!
Tweet one of these:
Do
you have an idea for a Holiday celebration that's out of this world @DeniseCCovey & @YolandaRenee join us http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2015/12/wepff-holiday-celebrations-that-are-out.html #WEPFF
Flash
Fiction a Holiday that's out of this world What planet would you visit?@DeniseCCovey & @YolandaRenee http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2015/12/wepff-holiday-celebrations-that-are-out.html #WEPFF
How
would you celebrate the New Year in Space? Holiday Flash Fiction Challenge @DeniseCCovey & @YolandaRenee http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2015/12/wepff-holiday-celebrations-that-are-out.html #WEPFF
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